Dogs love to run around and play, but this activity can be tough on their nails. Long nails scratch floors and furniture, which then need to be replaced or reupholstered. Long nails also make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk or even sit down! A nail grinder provides a safe way of trimming the length of your dog’s nails without having any pain inflicted on them.
Introducing the topic of nail trimming and why it is important?
Nail trimming is an important part of a dog’s basic grooming and should be done frequently. The longer the nails, the more likely they’ll scratch your floors or furniture. Long nails can make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk or even sit down!
They should be trimmed once a month, but if you miss two months in a row, don’t cut too many at one time because it may cause bleeding. Also, dogs with white nails will have tartar build-up on their teeth which can lead to tooth decay and other health problems.
Prepare to start trimming:
-
Get all of the necessary supplies together before you start. You’ll need nail clippers, styptic powder, and nail grinders.
-
Pick up your dog and place him or her on a table or countertop. Make sure you have enough space to work with them comfortably.
-
If they are squirming around too much, hold their head still so the clippers don’t slip off their nails.
-
You can also hold your pet’s tail to keep them from jumping around while you clip their nails if they dislike having this done.
-
Avoid cutting into the pink part of the nail. The cut should only go halfway down.
-
If you can’t see the pink section in your dog, it is okay to cut the nails a little shorter than half.
-
If you do happen to cut into the pink section, apply styptic powder or cornstarch immediately since this will help stop any bleeding that may occur.
-
Keep an eye out for black spots on nails, These could be melanomas and if they are spotted early enough, they can easily be treated. Cut down the nail further than the spot to see if it reappears. If so, consult your veterinarian about having them removed.
List common mistakes people make during nail trimming and how to avoid them
-
Going too far down. The cut should only go halfway down because going any lower might cause bleeding.
-
Not having all of the necessary supplies ready before starting out.
-
Not using nail clippers. Using scissors or another cutting device can result in damage to your dog’s nails or even hurt your pet if you are not careful, which is why it is important to use nail clippers specifically designed for pets.
-
Pulling back on their toes while trying to clip their nails because this will only scare your dog and make the process harder for you. You can also consult your veterinarian about giving them a sedative beforehand since they may be more cooperative during this time.
Conclusion
When your pet’s nails are overgrown, they can cause discomfort and make walking difficult. Trimming their toenails is a quick and easy way to provide relief for them as well as reduce the likelihood of future problems from occurring. It only takes a few minutes to do this task with minimal stress on you or your dog!
You will want to use clippers that have been specifically designed for trimming animal nails so that you don’t hurt your pup while doing it. If you’re not sure which ones would be best suited for what type of animal, talk with an expert at your local pet store.